Overview & Reviews

Although it wasn't around for very long, the Hyundai Veracruz could be a worthwhile choice for a crossover SUV. As with other Hyundai models, the Veracruz boasted plenty of features for a price that was typically less than the competition. On top of this, the Veracruz also provided an impressively luxurious cabin and a quiet ride that was comparable to many luxury-branded crossover SUVs.

On the downside, it came up short in terms of interior space compared to some other large crossovers, and didn't offer much in terms of design flair. Hyundai also didn't sell very many of them, so finding a used model that fits your desires might be hard. But overall, the Veracruz is worth a look for shoppers interested in a feature-packed midsize or large crossover.

Most Recent Hyundai Veracruz
The seven-seat Hyundai Veracruz was produced from 2007 through 2012. Under the hood was a 260-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 paired to a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive optional.

Originally, Hyundai offered the Veracruz in GLS, SE and Limited trim levels. Standard feature highlights for the base GLS trim initially included 17-inch wheels, heated side mirrors, air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a six-speaker audio system with satellite radio. The SE was pretty similar. Major options for these trims included a sunroof, Bluetooth, heated front seats and a power driver seat. On the SE you could also get a power liftgate, leather upholstery and a premium audio system.

The Veracruz Limited came with most of the lower trims' options as standard. It also had dual-zone climate control and a power front passenger seat. Options included a navigation system and a surround-sound audio system.

Feature content largely remained the same throughout its run, although a navigation system and power liftgate became available for 2008. The following year the SE trim was dropped in favor of two optional packages available on the GLS. A rear-seat DVD entertainment system was offered for 2009 and '10 only.

When the Veracruz was introduced, it drew comparisons to luxury models rather than more pedestrian-badged competitors. The comparisons were not far-fetched. In our reviews, we found the Veracruz luxurious, well-built and very quiet on the road. Top crash test scores were another draw. On the downside, total interior cargo space and third-row rear seat room weren't quite as spacious as some competitors like the GMC Acadia. The Veracruz also looked pretty plain, which could be a turnoff for some buyers.

User Reviews:

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  2008 veracruz - 2008 Hyundai Veracruz
  By SG - August 14 - 12:16 pm

  overall its a decent vehicle; however it developed multiple rattles which the dealer can never seem to find. Not very comfortable driving position for tall drivers. I do like the entertainment system w/dvd, however headphones are flimsy & can easily break..both of ours did...the front seats could be more comfortable.Reason we purchased is it gave us more features for less money than the cx9 which we strongly considered. Those rattles take all the joy out when driving the car, which to me is a sign of workmanship

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  Beware of quirky problems in new car - 2007 Hyundai Veracruz
  By ccoady - May 14 - 7:36 am

  Loved the look and feel of this car but have had serious problems for a new car. First week TPMS light went on and had to be reset by dealer,within one month quirky electrical problems, keyless entry would not work, passenger seat heater not operating. Dealer had to remove dash to get to problem. Just this evening with only 13000 I had to have the car TOWED to the dealer, the transmission seems to have gone, with my foot to the floor the car could only go 15 MPH and could not get up my slightly included driveway. Too much headache for a new car

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  You get what you pay for - no great deal - 2008 Hyundai Veracruz
  By captainkoz - March 14 - 2:36 am

  I bought a 2008 Veracruz AWD fully loaded except for the nav. At first I loved it. It looks great, rides super quiet unless the road is bumpy, & seemed to be more than it was. Little by little it started falling apart & a lousy service department isnt helping my love for the car. At 17k miles the front rotors warped & (Dis)Advantage Hyundai in Hicksville NY wouldnt honor it. Really? Your going to fight me on rotors at 17k mi? 1st red flag. Then there were 3 recalls which I respect as a good thing, except even with an appointment they took way too long & in summary ended up leaving a cover screw out and cross threading 2 others. When I noticed the missing screw I was accused of leaving it out

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  Got a lemon - 2007 Hyundai Veracruz
  By cruzin3 - April 22 - 10:06 am

  I bought it in July 07, the first 1 that the dealer got in. Ive had nothing but problems with this car and Im considering arbitration to resolve the matter (in NV, you have to have the same prob 4x). My first incident happened at approx 1,000 miles when my fuel pump failed to get enough pressure and my car almost left me stranded in the middle of the desert. I had to take it back right away to get fixed again. At 7500 miles, I had to have my fuel pump replaced once again because the car kept seriously lagging on hills and sometimes would not start or start rough. Now the ESC off light comes on, wouldnt go in reverse for 20 mins, and once again lags on hills. Interior is nice though.

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  Nice car but lots of problems - 2010 Hyundai Veracruz
  By Chris in Jersey - February 13 - 10:00 am

  We purchased this vehicle based on its features per dollar and it does excel in this area. It is quiet, comfortable, has a nice interior and is roomy. It could be a little more sporty and the stereo sounds like the 8 track from my 77 Caprice Estate Wagon but other than that we are happy with the performance. The problems are with the reliability. Had to replace the stereo(dealer did not return cds), a taillight, license plate light, brakes, "ESC off" control light is on constantly, resume bottom on cruise control does not work, key fob stopped working and the transmission stopped and stranded my family on the highway. This would make me think twice before purchasing a Hyundai again.

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  Regret - 2008 Hyundai Veracruz
  By Ricardo - January 29 - 12:30 pm

  I traded in my Santa Fe for this because Hyundai gave me the highest trade in value. The exterior was so so. The interior was great. Soft touch material. Good looking leather. It drove quiet. Infinity radio is not that impressive but ok. However, within a month, the leather starts to fade. It starts to pick up road noise. Some rattle starts to show up here and there. Most serious problem was the transmission. I heard a lot of good things about the Aisian transmission. However, my transmission has problem shifting from 3rd to 4th gear, rumbling a lot. It went back to the dealership. They told me that there was nothing wrong. They also broke their promise about loaner car. Regret

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  Worst driving Position for Six-footers - 2007 Hyundai Veracruz
  By Tony Merante - October 28 - 1:40 am

  Guides show driving position leg room of 41.5 inches but it is nowhere near that. Actually found that it is 39 inches - 2 1/2 less than the smaller Santa Fe and Tucson. Painful driving position for anyone six foot or more. Driving seat back intrudes into drivers back and constantly feels like a rod across the back. After less than two months, am looking to dump it for something more comfortable. Ride is very rough over road joints or any potholes, minor or otherwise. Feels like a rattletrap over normal roads. Otherwise, a great SUV.

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  2011 Hyundai Veracruz Problems - 2011 Hyundai Veracruz
  By afred - May 24 - 7:08 am

  Three days ago my 2011 Veracruz with 27K miles just quit while on the road. It had a total electronic chassis failure. First the ECM warning light and then all the warning light and then car came to a stop. Towed to dealer, the next day I was told it was a loose battery cable(??), strange since no one had touched it. Drove it out next day before I got into the freeway, same thing, car quit, same warnings. Towed to dealer. They said they had 3 code and it has a throttle position sensor, after they changed it they called and said that was not it. Need to keep the car and see what it is. Three days without a car, dealer has offered to rent one though. Car is totally unreliable to take out.

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  early failures - 2007 Hyundai Veracruz
  By ghahn - May 3 - 2:51 pm

  I have had (have) the following problems with my 2007 vera cruz: 1) at 70k - valve cover gasket leak which allowed oil to spray on the alternator - alternator failed causing a breakdown on a major highway in rush hour 2) back up warning sensors no longer work 3) auto door lock for drivers door fails to activate 80% of the time. this applies to locking or unlocking 4) one of the air bags has failed and i have an indicator on all the time 5) cruise set/ resume buttons do not activate the cruise 50% of the time 6) steering column volume control problems have recently surfaced - does not work and volume up turns down the volume 25% of the time

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  Deadly Defect !!!! - 2007 Hyundai Veracruz
  By Deadly defect - December 22 - 10:30 pm

  With 826 miles on the vehicle I was coming up to a stop sign, heard a pop in the steering column and lost all steering on the vehicle. You could spin the steering wheel completely around. Coasted to a stop, had it towed to the nearest Hyundai dealer. They found it was an assembly line defect in putting the steering column together. They were very sorry it happened, but insured me they had never seen this before. They acted like my radio knob had fallen off. If I had been going down the highway at 60 mph I wouldnt be writing this now. If you have a Veracruz I would recommend you have your steering column checked. If it happened once it can happen again!